Paddling Saphire canyon

Author: madamax  |  Category: Calm rivers

Despite the desesperatingly gloomy touristic scene in these troubled days, we managed to launch a mini expedition in the Isalo canyons at the southern tip of central highlands.

benahy01

Pioneer expeditions had sent a couple of Brit girls for a 10 day expedition down Benahy, Imaloto and Onilahy from Isalo range to Tulear.

titi, my daughter!

titi, my daughter!

I talked a few friends in it and we all threw in handfuls of kids to end up with a large group of 16, 8 adults and 8 kids.

muddy waters

muddy waters

Rowdy crowd down this calm river.

the river guard

the river guard

Low waters of the dry season ends up in a lot of walking, towing canoes through sandbars and maze of dams erected by local saphire diggers.

camp 2

camp 2

This stretch of wilderness remains an exceptionnal trip, taking passengers to spectacular canyons and sceneries.

Floating at last

Floating at last

We parted with the Pioneer people at the end of the canyon and let them row for survival on definitely more serious Onilahy rapids.

kakou the crazy pirat

kakou the crazy pirat

The locals pulled out after 5 days deep down Gondwanaland, eyes sparkling with high walls and blue skies.

Saphire search

Saphire search

Can’t wait for the next buddies trip,

Geoffroy n'est plus à la barre.

Geoffroy n'est plus à la barre.

I got to love them too much, …

Dino walls!

Dino walls!

I love those canyons and hope to be back there as often as possible.

Nady, our local river guide

Nady, our local river guide

One of my very favorite playground around the island.